Peptide compounds and methods of production and use thereof

Abstract

Peptide compounds based on the CAP37 (cationic antimicrobial protein of M r 37 kDa) protein are disclosed, along with methods for treating various infections, wounds, and conditions, and methods of promoting healing and acceptance of grafts, using compositions containing these peptides.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A peptide compound of Formula (I):
   S M -X R -Pep-Y R , 
 wherein: 
 Pep consists of an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:9-14; 
 X R  consists of four arginine residues; 
 Y R  consists of one arginine residue; and 
 S M  is a solubilizing moiety of one of (1)-(3), wherein:
 (1) is [2-(2-amino-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-acetic acid k  (AEEA k ), wherein k=2-5; 
 
 (2) is {2-[2-(2-amino-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-acetic acid k  (AEEEA k ), wherein k=2-5; or 
 (3) is a combination of AEEA m  and AEEEA n  subunits, wherein m=1-9 and n=1-9 with the proviso that (m+n) is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, and wherein the AEEA m  and AEEEA n  subunits are arranged in any order. 
 
     
     
       2. A composition comprising the peptide compound of  claim 1 , and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       3. A peptide compound consisting of an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:40-45.